Hair Extensions: What to know before you buy!
Do your homework
It is very important to do some research before having your hair extensions done. Not all methods are the same. What works well for one could not be the best option for you. There is not one best method for everyone!
Who is my stylist? All methods can cause damage to your hair when they are not properly done!
For example:
when hair extensions are placed too tight it can be very uncomfortable, even painful. It can result in your own hair falling out.
Some salons or stylists are better and more experienced than others. The right stylist can make a world of difference to your look, the wrong one can be very harmful to your hair. Some salons are more expensive than others for the same method. Different methods also vary in price. In general you get what you pay for but there are always exceptions.
General tips
- Always schedule an initial consultation.
- Visit several salons/stylists before making your final decision. Compare details and take your time. Don't be pressured in getting extensions right away (i.e. ... "the sale ends today" ... ).
- Tell your wishes and concerns to your stylist.
- A good extensionist will analyze your hair and scalp to see if it is in a condition for successful hair extensions. Be cautious when a stylist does not do this.
- A good extensionist will inquire about your lifestyle, health, hair care habits, and hobbies etc. Are you sensitive or allergic to anything.
- A good stylist will ask about your hair style desires. Why do you want hair extensions? How do you like to style your hair?
- You should be informed about the maintenance of hair extensions. What you can and can't do when you wear them. Be cautious when the stylist tells you that there is no maintenance required.
- Make sure that you are well informed about the method and hair quality that will be used for your extensions. How is the hair attached? Where does the hair come from? Read more about it on our "methods" and "hair" page.
- Make sure to get a written estimate for your hair extensions. How much will it cost and what is included and what is NOT included.
- Be cautious when the stylist has a messy, unclean workstation. Follow your first impressions and instinct.
- Be cautious when a stylist spends most of the consultation time talking bad about other stylists and methods. The stylist should explain why his/her particular method works well with your hair.
- A good general rule is that hair extensions should not be longer than twice your own hair length (there are of course exceptions).
What you should ask your stylist
- Ask about the training and experience of your stylist. Is the stylist certified? Every extensionist has to start at some point and with the proper training and practice it should be OK. Most beginning extensionists will be supervised by a more experienced stylist.
- Ask if you can see before and after photos of their work.
- Ask how long the hair extensions will last.
- Ask how much it will cost to have your hair extensions removed.
- Ask if the hair can be re-used.
- Ask if the work and hair quality is guaranteed. What happens when your extensions fall out after a few days. What happens if the hair starts tangling or matting.
- Ask what can go wrong and if any of his/her clients ever had any issues with their hair extensions.
- Ask for a maintenance plan (follow-up appointments, recommended products, tools, wash and style instructions, etc. and how much this approximately will cost).
These tips are no guarantee that you will be 100% satisfied with your extensions but it will help with some issues that could occur.